A Sydney man has pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges after a dead dog was found weighed down underwater with a cement block.
Swimmers found the dog on Saturday at Yowie Bay in Sydney's south and called police.
Police divers retrieved the two-year-old Belgian Malinois and took it to a vet for a post-mortem examination.
Police then searched a property at Miranda on Monday, where they seized more than 117 grams of cannabis and other items.
Shannon Bertus De Waard, 49, was charged with torturing, beating and causing the death of an animal, committing an act of aggravated cruelty on an animal and possessing a prohibited drug.
He entered pleas of not guilty for each count at Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday.
Animal Justice MP Emma Hurst said she would be watching the case closely.
"This is beyond horrifying. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering endured by this sentient being," Ms Hurst said in a statement.
She wants people convicted of animal cruelty to be prevented from working with children.
"Anyone who harms an animal in an aggressive act of cruelty is a danger to other animals and the wider community," Ms Hurst said.
De Waard has been released on bail and will next appear before court on November 23.
Australian Associated Press
